For the Raiders, “deep draft” yields strong line-up

The first three round of the NFL draft usually earn the most attention. That’s when the familiar names and big “numbers guys”–meaning players who look really good on paper–get picked up by teams that have done their homework and have wrestled with trades and money to attain them.

But as Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable said Friday night after the conclusion of these rounds, this was a deep draft. And even with the recognizable names gone, the number of high-caliber athletes still on the table by Saturday morning made the remainder of the draft as strategically competitive as any in recent years.

Media and Raider fans alike believe this year’s draft, unlike past years, was exceptionally strong, with highlights that include a star collegiate defensive signal-caller with leadership skills, as well as top notch interceptors and tackers. Scouts, coaches, general managers and owners are not always on the same page, and it remains a mystery to outsiders as to who really has the most heavily weighted say in choosing young talent in the draft. But organizations still have to take into account their position in line and have a reasonable set of backup plans and strategic moves in their pockets to come away from the draft having significantly improved their team.